California Still In The Running For Tesla Motors' New Battery Factory
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— California is making a late push to land electric-car maker, Tesla Motors' new high-tech battery factory that would create thousands of jobs.
The Palo Alto-based company originally named Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas as states that were finalists to host its "gigafactory." California was notably absent.
Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, has been urging state officials to go after the plan saying the announcement of prospective states really "sounded the alarm bell."
California Still In The Running For Tesla Motors New Battery Factory
"Since that time the state has been responsive and is talking to Tesla and is clearly taking some steps to provide incentive," Wunderman said.
It's not clear where the plant could be built in California, but the San Francisco Chronicle reports one site being looked at is the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.
Wunderman said no matter the location, California must move quickly.
"I think there are probably a number of places around the state that could be attractive for large advanced manufacturing facilities that would employ literally thousands of people," he said.
City officials in Tuscon, Arizona had previously confirmed that their proposal would create a factory that would employ 6,500 people.
Tesla has not said when they will choose a site for their new battery factory.
